Volkswagens
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
Services & Businesses >
Autos >
Volkswagens
|
VW Mechanics
|
Other Questions about VWs
|
VW Mechanic in Oakland
June 2012
The warranty on my 2009 Jetta Sportwagon is up and I'd like
to find an independent mechanic instead of continuing to go
to the dealer for service. Any recommendations for a VW
mechanic who is honest, reasonably priced, and has a quick
turnaround (same day when possible)? A shop in Oakland is
much preferred, but I'll travel to Berkeley or Alameda if I
have to. Thanks. Squeaky Brakes
Recommended:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
Fritz and Peter's Oakland
reasonably priced VW mechanic
Aug 2011
I'm looking for a recommendation for a reasonably priced VW
mechanic in/near Oakland. A month after getting extensive
service done out of state, the check engine light started
going on and off intermittently, and it's since been about
two years. Thanks! anonymous
Recommended:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
VW Beetle, 1974, mechanical/body/interior service
Feb 2011
Hi,
I have just purchased a 1974 VW Super Beetle for my
daughter. It needs mechanical, body, and interior work. I
am looking for recommendations for reliable, expeirienced,
service providers who charge fairly. I am willing to work
within a 20 mile radius of Lakeshore Ave. in Oakland.
Jeffry
I had a '68 beetle o so many years ago. I loved it!! That
said, I am going to discourage your daughter or absolutely
anyone from driving such an unsafe vehicle. If there is an
accident this car and any passengers will lose. No air bags,
no side impact. No front or rear protection either. I drive
an old volvo now...
Volkswagen vs. Volvo
Feb 2010
We have an old Volvo that needs to be replaced. While I
really like the solidity of the car, it's a very expensive
one to maintain, with way too many little things that go
wrong and cost a fortune to repair, not to mention the big
ones. So I am considering getting a Volkswagen Passat. Can
anyone tell me how it is to own one? Thanks.
Anne
I currently own a VW Passat Wagon and absolutely love it.
It's roomy, which is great for shuttling around kids and
all their stuff. My husband and I bought this car b/c our
family was growing (we only have 1 kid at the moment). We
purchased our car from Dirito Brothers in Walnut Creek. I
would highly recommend the folks there.
I should also mention that this is the 2nd VW that I've
owned. My very first car was a Jetta, which still remains
in my family.
VW Service in Berkeley
Oct 2009
Now that my VW is out of warranty I am looking for an honest,
reliable and affordable place to have it serviced. I really need
to stop taking it to the expensive service department at the
dealership in Oakland! When I had a Honda I went to Art's and
loved them. Does anyone know of a place like that for VWs?
Still love my aging Passat
Recommended:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
Oceanworks W. Berkeley
May 2008
Our trusty 1999 V6 PASSAT is in need of some major service. We're looking for
a good and most of all affordable mechanic to do the work.
Passat Driver
We have been taking our Passat and Audi to AVS on San Pablo for several years, and as
far as I'm concerned, they are the best around. They only work on VW and Audi and
they really know their stuff. Eddie Delgado, the owner, is always there and provides
amazing customer service. They don't overcharge, don't do work that doesn't need to be
done, and always try to look for options that will save money if possible. When we
were less than thrilled with a recent interaction with an employee (who is no longer
there), Eddie bent over backwards to make things right.
It's such a pleasure to deal with someone who really stands behind their work. I
highly recommend you go to AVS. Their number is 981-1837 and they are at 2210 San
Pablo, a few blocks south of University.
Happy to have found AVS
I like Berkeley Auto Service
on San Pablo. Good rates, very trustworthy and
experienced folks. It is possible that you could get a slightly cheaper rate and
slightly cheaper parts elsewhere, but not with the same peace of mind. Much better
than any dealer by far. (http://berkeleyauto.ypguides.net/)
Pamela
I love Precision People's Car Repair
on San Pablo near Gilman. They did a great job on
my VW Bug, kept it running when it was held together with duct tape and twine
practically, and were good to work with personally as well. They told me when it would
cost more to fix the engine than the car was worth rather than take my money and run.
I highly recommend them.
Talia
I know a great shop for Volkwagen repair-its on San Pablo by Omega 2 and is called
AVS Specialists.
I have a 2000 Passat station wagon and they always do my service. The
owner, Eddie knows all about Volkswagens and can tell what's wrong in a drive around
the block. He explains what I need and gets my car back to me in a day or two. Their
prices are good and Eddie goes through the bill with so I know that I'm getting what I
pay for. The shop is terrific!
The phone number is 981-1837.
Volkswagen fan
Nov 2007
Can anyone recommend a skilled and reasonable VW mechanic? We have a 2001
Golf, and are not so far impressed with the Broadway VW dealer we've taken it
to (they are expensive, don't diagnose the right problem, etc). Prefer
Berkeley/Oakland area.
By the way, we used to own a Honda and I must agree with the recent spate of
recommendations for Berkeley Mini car for Honda service. Great place! Wish
we could find something similar for VWs.
I really like Ken at Precision Peoples Car Repair
(1346 San Pablo Ave in
Berkeley -
524-1911). The service is great, the repairs are done right and I always
feel like
he's giving me an honest explanation of what I need. After he works on my
car he'll
show me the parts he removed and explain what was wrong with them. He has
also told me
about things that are weird VW quirks, but don't need to be fixed even
though another
mechanic might tell me different just to make the extra money. I think his
prices are
good too, although honestly I haven't checked around in a while because I
just go to
him every time these days.
another Golf owner
We used to have a VW and always used Angus at Oceanworks, on 10th St just
north of
Ashby. Honest and reliable, and committed to green practices. Works on
japanese cars
too.
The only down side is he is so popular, sometimes you need to wait a week
or so for an
appointment.
Bryan
Griffin Motorwerke
in Berkeley on San Pablo is very good for both VW's and
Audi's.
Terry Griffin is good but expensive. I had a Passat that was purchased at
McNevin in
Berkeley. Broadway VW seemed better until they replaced brakes and sent
me back onto
the street without bleeding the air completely out of the line - - Pedal
went to the
floor... Griffin's shop is competent and will offer affordable options
when available!
Motorwerke convert
Fritz & Peter's is great --
420 25th St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 444-3224
c
I just love Roger at
Berkeley Auto Service (VW & Audi specialists) on San
Pablo Ave.
My Family has 3 VW's, all serviced with him for about 2 yrs now. He
always seems to
know his stuff and he'll fess up if he doesn't. He's honest about what
work is
necessary vs what can wait (ie, he doesn't make up work). His rates are in
line with
other mechanics (and certainly a much better deal than the VW Dealer).
Call for an
appointment cause he's a busy guy.
Happy customer
I’ve been a Volkswagen owner since the mid 80s and spent many years trying
to find a
reliable and capable mechanic for my cars. I think I’ve really found a
gem in AVS
Specialists on San Pablo at Allston. I’ve owned a Jetta, a Golf and now a
Passat and I
have never had such great service.
The owner, Eddie is a younger guy but he has experience beyond his years.
He knows
everything about Volkswagens and is great at diagnosing problems quickly
and
efficiently. He can work on older cars as well as new ones and does a
great job. His
prices are very reasonable and he always gets my car back to me the same
day.
I’d call AVS Specialists the next time you need service-510.981.1837.
Finally found a great shop
For good VW service, we've been very happy with Bauer's German Auto
in
Berkeley or European Auto Repair in Alameda. (Not happy at all with AVS
btw.)
Nov 2006
I am looking for a reliable car mechanic in the Oakland/Berkeley
area. Right now what I need is somebody who does electrical work
on cars, but then I will need a permanent mechanic. Thank you
Pato
Recommended:
Autometrics W. Berkeley
Berkeley Auto Service (2) W. Berkeley
June 2006
Now that McNevin VW is gone, and because I don't want to take
my VW Passat to Oakland or Walnut Creek, I would appreciate any
comments on what other VW owners in the Berkeley area are doing
to service their VWs.
Passat owner
Recommended:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
Berkeley Auto Service W. Berkeley
Sonnen Marin County
June 2006
McNevin VW went out of business. Can anyone recommend a good/
honest local auto repair that works on VW's
thanks
jk
Recommended:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
Berkeley Auto Service W. Berkeley
Porboys German Automotive Service Oakland
Al Yuen
Nov 2005
We just moved to the Bay Area and are looking for a good and honest Volkswagen
shop/mechanic. We have a VW Golf.
Susana
Recommendations received:
Autoplus
AVS Specialists
German Auto Salvage
Oceanworks
Jan 2006
I am searching for advice on finding a small carseat. My son has
nearly outgrown the infant carseat (he's 4months old now) and now
I have to get one of the next size carseats. Problem is that I
have a small, older VW Jetta. It doesn't even seem like I can fit
one of the required carseats into my car behind either seat. Let
alone have someone ride in the front without hitting their knees
or having anyone else in the back seat with the carseat, I am
even worried about being able to see over the carseat (I am
pretty short) when it is rear facing. We don't plan on having
more kids and budget wise, a larger car isn't an option. So I am
looking for suggestions for a smaller carseat that might fit our
small car without sacrificing any safety for my son. Is there a
brand or model that has worked well for people with smaller cars?
anon
Hello. We also had the same problem. We have a 2001 GTI, which is a 2 door car. We
ended up with the Britax Roundabout. It is really safe and easy to use. When the seat
was rear-facing, the front passenger seat was way forward, so much that it was a
little uncomfortable. But I usually sat in that seat when my husband drove and it
worked out. Now we have it turned around and it fits much better. We were able to
try out different models at the baby store, which helped us a lot. It's hard to buy
such an important thing without knowing how it will fit! The sales people will help
you fit the seat into your car. I also remember looking at some sort of car seat
database. Maybe you can google and find it. Don't worry, it is only a few more
months and then you'll turn it around and it'll be a lot better!
GTI driver
The manufacturing company is called SAFE LINE KIDS and the sit-
n-stroll is great. I bought and had to return 3 carseats
because I could not see over them. I ordered this from a
catalog and they said that I could return it if it didn't work
out.
Seven years and 2 kids later, I am still singing it's praises!
Not only does it have a small profile you can see over in your
car, squeese your self between it and another car seat, it is
slimmer than most, but, it is also a stroller.
This is so handy for drive, walk, take BART, get a taxi, climb
stairs and return. It only weighs 6 pounds.
The stroller wheels are small. I always had a beefy stroller
for home to park, but this was/is my car stroller. I have
pushed it over muddy grass, gravel, down river banks....I could
never sell it in good concience, metal fatigue and all....but I
have to say that it has been a very good piece of equipment. I
let my 4 year old ride in the seat and 7 year old climb on top
of the handle....it bends and groans but keeps folding and is a
very comfy car seat.
You do have to be very carefull strapping them in to it. Car
seat belts first, then auto seat belt over that & check that it
is tight in the grooves. A kiss and you are on your way!
It came with an infant insert and we used it facing backwards
when they were babies.
Still singing it's praises!
June 2004
As expectant parents, we're starting to shop for necessities.
If you own a VW Jetta and have had a good experience installing
a particular carseat in it, please let me know. I appreciate it!
Allison
Although I love my turbo Jetta, I hate how small it is for kids!
We will probably be getting a station wagon within a year. The
Graco Snugride just barely fits in the middle of the back seat
for an infant carrier, but it is a tight squeeze for passengers
back there, too. We recently changed to the convertible Britax
Roundabout when our son hit 27'', and it also barely fits- do not
buy the Marathon or anything larger. The bummer is that you
can't easily nurse or change diapers in the back seat as it is
too small for all of that with the carseat there. And there is
no other way to take the beby/carrier in/out of the car except
with really bad body mechanics that are rough on your back and
neck.
soon-to-be-former Jetta owner
I drive a 2000 Jetta and had a baby last year. When she was
really little, we used a Graco Snug Ride with snap in base. I
installed this on the passenger side using the Latch fasteners
which really seemed to hold the seat securely. I put the seat on
that side for 2 reasons (despite what seemed like a potentially
safer position in the center). One, I am fairly tall and that
way only the passenger seat had to be pushed a little farther
forward than you would like (I think it was safest to have me
driving from my usual distance from the controls). Second, I
found it was really nice to be able to actually reach around
occasionally (like at a stoplight) and do something for my
daughter, even if it was just touching her for comfort. Oh, and
you could actually drive a third adult around that way (not
really possible with a seat in the center). That seat lasted
about 5 months since my daughter is also tall, then we bought a
Britax Marathon. That would only fit in the center position when
rear facing-they are really large. We eventually moved that seat
to our larger car and I bought a Britax Roundabout which was a
much better fit. When rear facing, it nestled between the two
front seats (obviously in the center), and now that she sits
forward, it is just less bulky than the Marathon. The Jetta back
seat is pretty tight but I guess a lot of cars must be worse...
Jetta Mom
Jannette (10/99)
If your car is a station wagon, or a hatchback, you should be able to bring the
tether strap over the seat into the back and find a hook in your trunk. This is
how I anchor my carseat. I have never heard of anchoring it to the roof,
doesn't
seem too secure. If you have a regular compact car, you might want to go to a
Volkswagen service station. I previously had a Jetta, and it had the anchor
already installed in the car (this is when I found out about the tether
strap in
the first place). Good luck.
Nov 2005
Our old VW has been around Berkeley and Oakland in search of a
new mechanic. We've followed up on the recommendations here to no
avail. We have brought our car with its engine light on to 3
places- one twice. One ''diagnosed'' the problem $100, ''reset the
computer'' and told us to come back if it didn't work. When we
came back they rediagnosed that problem for $100, told us we
didn't need the repair they had recommended last time and told us
to come back if it didn't work. We brought it somewhere else and
they flat out said they could fix the problem -- which was
generous -- and the third place also had never heard of the
problem. Although we may go there, we're hesitant.
Hi,
My husband had that same problem with his VW. (His ''check engine'' light went on
the night of our first date 6 years ago... But that's another story.) He was told by one
mechanic that only a VW dealership mechanic can turn the light off. Hmmm... Not
sure if that's true or not.
As for a mechanic, I take my 98 Jetta to Valley Wagonworks at 193 Mill Street in San
Rafael. The owner's name is Paul Makuh, and I think he's friendly and fair. As the
name implies, he specializes in VWs, especially older/vintage models, and he does
all the work himself. 415.457.5628. Good luck!
amy
Feb 2005
I have a 3 year old Jetta station wagon and my husband has a 4 year
old Audi sedan. Both the cars' warranties have expired and every time we
takethem to the dealer for maintenance it costs a fortune. We have
2 school age children and work in San Francisco and need a local shop
that provides good service. Can anyone recommend a good repair shop for
VW's and for Audis-preferably one that we can take both cars to?
Looking for Mechanics
Recommendations received:
AVS Specialists W. Berkeley
Karmakanix Berkeley
Oct 2004
Does anyone out there know if we have a warranty for a 2002 VW
Jetta, do we HAVE to have all the warranty work done at the
dealership? We purchased our VW from Broadway Volkswagen, and
quite honestly we are not impressed with the service department
there and would love to be able to go somewhere else. Thanks!
Lisa
I believe you do need to do warranty work at a VW dealer, but it
doesn't have to be the Broadway one! I too have been displeased
by Broadway VW's service, and one time tried the VW dealer in
Berkeley, and they were somewhat better, though not great. I'd
deffinately suggest you try another dealer.
Mike
I do not know about your warranty, but we have had work done on our
2001 vw at McNevin in Berkeley and they were great! They loaned us a
car when my window broke and have been nothing but helpful. Maybe
try them? If it is free, I'd stick with the dealer!
GTI driver
One way to find out if you have the option of going outside the
dealership would be to call another repair shop and ask them if
they would honor your warrenty. I have really been happy with
Roger at Berkeley Auto Service (they do VWs). He is a really
nice and honest guy. They are at 2809 San Pablo Ave. The number
is (510) 841-2568.
anhelli
July 2004
I have a 94 Jetta that needs some repairs (clutch, brakes, door
lock...). I have always taken it to a place in San Rafael, but
that's too far to go now. I've checked the archives, but
nothing since 2002. Oakland would be best, but anywhere in the
area would ok too.
Thanks
Jeanne
Recommendations received:
Berkeley Auto Service (2)
Dublin Volkswagen
Fritz and Peter's
June 2004
I am looking for an auto mechanic that works on newer VWs and is
relatively inexpensive. i have a 99 passat which has close to
80K miles and is getting to the point where every visit to the
dealership I find out something else is wrong. This time, I
learned the radiator is leaking. I know the clutch will need to
be replaced soon too.
I've been to Germany's Best and while they'll give me a lower
price than the dealer (if I tell them what the dealer is
asking), they certainly never turn away work.
I'd like someone who can be honest with me - only do work that
is necessary and tell me the pros/cons of doing work at a
certain time (e.g. you can probably get another 5K miles on the
brakes if you only drive on freeways. if it goes beyond that or
you start to hear squealing, you will probably have to pay more
to repair the brake pads and metal)
andrea
Recommendations received:
Fritz and Peters Oakland
RC Imports El Cerrito
October 2002
Looking for a good, affordable mechanic for my 1965 VW Beetle.
there are some recommendations for VW mechanics on the web site,
but not much about older VWs. Also looking for a good body shop
to get it painted.
Recommendations received:
Bauer's German Auto Repair
Lukes and Shoreman
Precision People's Auto
November 2002
After a lifetime of driving only Japanese made cars, we have a
new (2002) Passat Wagon and are rapidly approaching the need for
our first service. No idea where to go, since we bought our car
out of the area. We had a pretty unpleasant experience with
Broadway Volkswagen during our purchase search, and would be
disinclined to return there unless y'all give their mechanics
rave reviews (the archives for this site, however, did not).
So, where do you many fellow Passat drivers take your cars when
they are still under warranty? We're hoping to find reasonable
charges, excellent service, nice, honest people, a Berkeley, N.
Oakland or San Ramon location, and one that provides a shuttle
to public transportation. Any recommendations to consider for
the post-warranty work would be appreciated, too. Thanks!
Isabelle
I have been using McNevin VW in Berkeley for service for 8 years
and I would have given them a good recommendation until
recently. Last time I went, it took more than an hour to check
in, even with an appointment. They missed some problems with my
car and with other problems, they told me it needed some parts
or work done but they didn't make any effort to arrange to order
the parts and follow through. I brought the car in twice,
complaining that it wasn't starting well and they completely
missed that it was due for a 60,000 mile service, both visits.
On the good side, they do keep fairly good records of your car's
history and they do provide a shuttle. It may be the best game
in town but I'm trying someone new, not a dealer.
Barbara
I recommend McNevin Volkswagen in Berkeley. They are
located on San Pablo Avenue about 5 blocks or so from
University Ave. I don't know if they have a shuttle to public
transportation, but there are many bus lines that run on San
Pablo Avenue.
Jennifer
I just traded in a wonderful Toyota (95,000 miles, never a
problem) for a brand spanking new VW Passat GLX. This $30K car
with 342 miles has a crack in the oil tank (crankcase) and since
towing it 5 days ago to Broadway VW, I still have not received a
single call about price estimate or when I can get it back. The
service manager was nice and promised all kinds of things that
haven't materialized. I will let you know if I find a better place. Stick
with the Japanese cars if you want reliability!
Lorianne
We also didn't like Broadway VW, but have had nothing but
positive experiences with Dirito Bros in Walnut Creek. We live
in Oakland, but feel it's worth the 20 min. drive out there.
They're near BART, very accomodating, and even clean your car if
you ask 'em---a big plus with a little one :)
--JL
We had an unpleasant experience with Broadway as well.
Our 2002 Golf suffered mechanical/electrical malfunction
and our daughter got locked in the car with the car running.
Broadway was very unhelpful when we took it in. We
felt like they didn't really believe us, were reluctant
didn't tell us what was going on, told us it would be
ready when it wasn't, hung up on my husband etc.
We used to have a Passat Wagon and now have a Golf.
I would recommend Royal Motors in SF, which is pretty
inconvenient, but worth the trip. I've also heard good things
about Dirito Brothers in WC.
Brightstar
I recommend that you go to McNevin in Berkeley. They are on San
Pablo Ave near Gilman. They do have shuttle service available,
though I have never used it. They have done all the warranty
work on my VW Jetta (a 95). McNevin is prompt, courteous, and they do the work
correctly. (Our theory is that since they are also a Cadillac
dealership they are used to catering to some pretty fussy
clients.)
Rose
When I had a Volkswagen I took it to Germany's Best on College
Ave and got great service. A small, friendly place and they
stuck their neck out for me when another garage had charged me
for a ''new'' piece that turned out not to be new at all (they
called the garage themselves and got the owner to agree to
refund what I had paid him.)
I sold that car a few years ago and no longer go there so don't
know if the same staff is around, but a few years ago I thought
they were terrific.
Kathleen
We're in the ''sorry, we can't really recommend either McNevin or
Broadway'' category. We have a '99 Passat and stuck it out during
warranty with McNevin, but VERY strongly disliked going there.
Just this spring, we're now off warranty, and got a
recommendation from our beloved Art's garage (on San Pablo)
where we service our Toyota and our Hondas before that. They
directed us 2 block north to Berkeley Auto Service, on San
Pablo, where I believe his name is Roger Rodriguez, who is
conscientious, friendly, and fair priced. Recently, we had a
problem with the ABS sensor light that Roger couldn't diagnose.
He didn't charge us anything for the time it took for the
examination, but then he sent us away, empty handed, to the
dealer. This time we went to Broadway, who, in the most
antiseptic way, quickly diagnosed and replaced a frayed cable in
exchange for a lot of cash.
The problem with the VW dealers seems to be the same in both
places (McNevin and Broadway). You make an appointment well in
advance for a routine tune-up, or some other specific service.
They give you a time in the morning to drop your car off. And
then you have to wait in line, first come first served,
sometimes for 40 minutes in the morning when you're trying to
get to work, to just give them the keys and ''sign in''. You can
fill out the ''early-bird service'' envelope and put your keys
into it and hand it to a service guy, but they are testy when
you do this, and there isn't always a place for you to park the
car and just leave. Then, when you pick it up, there isn't the
service I've come to expect from the likes of El Cerrito Honda,
Art's Automotive and Roger Rodriguez's Berekely Auto Service,
where the guy who *actually worked on your car* talks to you
about what he found, what his general impressions are about next
services, etc. They just get your keys and hand you a large bill
with chicken scratch for line items.
As for off warranty work with Berkeley Auto Service, we'll keep
going, since we absolutely trust Art's recommendation, but I
must say I'm a little concerned that they missed the cause of
the ABS sensor light problem. I'll be reading other responses to
this post carefully to see if there are any alternatives.
Driver
January 2004
I have a 2003 Passat wagon which intermittently loses power on
acceleration. I can floor the gas pedal and get no response at
all for quite a while until the engine suddenly revs and catches
and I can move again. This can happen on the freeway, which
clearly is a very dangerous situation. It is all the more
annoying as we bought the car to drive our new baby around. I
have taken it to the dealer twice now. They have managed to
duplicate the problem but say their diagnostics all show nothing
is wrong and that I should just drive the car until it happens
again and then bring the car back and they will look at it
again. I am not finding this to be an acceptable solution.
My questions are:
Has anyone had a problem like this with their Passat?
If the dealer says they can't fix it, what then?
What is involved in claiming this car is a lemon under the lemon
law? Has anyone successfully done this?
I drive a 2001 Passat sedan, and received a recall notice about
a problem very similar to the one you described. The notice
stated that it wasn't going to happen in every car, and that I
should take the car in if it happened to mine.
Which dealer did you take the car to? Broadway VW's service
manager seemed very knowledgeable about the recalls.
Did your mechanic check the ignitiion coil? We had a problem
with our Honda Civic where the engine would stop or miss for a
split second and then be OK, mostly on the freeway, but also off.
I realize your problem sounds different, but just thought I'd
toss this out there. The mechanics had a rough time figuring the
problem out; car was in the shop for days. The coil tested fine
in the shop, and due to intermittent problem, it couldn't be
duplicated for them. Our car just eventually wouldn't start.
There is info on the internet re: the lemon law and it differs by
state.
i have a 2001 passat wagon that we received after enact! ing the
lemon law on our 2000 passat sedan. make sure you document each
and every time your car is at the dealer. ours didn't have the
same problem as yours but after being at the dealership almost
10 times for the same problem, we threatened VW with the whole
lemon law process and they quickly put us in touch with VW of
America, who eventually ''bought back'' our sedan and we replaced
it with the wagon (we had to pay the difference). in addition,
our new wagon did have acceleration problems once. i took it in
and they told me there were ''rapid misfirings'' in the computer
system somewhere. they reset it and i haven't had any problems
since. my neighbor also has a passat wagon and she told me the
same thing has happened to her. must be a common problem. i
hope this helps. good luck!
anon
We had a 2002 Golf and had a loss of power after having
the car for about a year and a ! half- it would keep on going,
but had no power and I couldn't get it to accelerate (on hills,
when merging on the freeway). We also had numerous
electrical issues with it. We kept on taking it in to the dealer
and they kept on ''fixing'' it. I think they will do that indefinitely
even if you have the same problem over and over again.
With the power issue, they told me that there was ''nothing
wrong with it.'' I looked into the lemon law, but didn't end up
pursuing it. We just got rid of the car (traded it in). What I
did read is that you should contact a lemon law attorney,
rather than pursue arbitration. With arbitration, they will
generally just tell you to try to fix it again (we did this over
some electrical issues that we had when we first bought the
car and that was the outcome). I also read, that if your car is
defective, which it sounds like yours is, that you ! should deal
with the manufacturer and not the individual dealership. A
lemon law attorney can help you with that.
Hi there- something in your question reminded me of a problem
we had with a car of ours once... it did the same thing- it
would be driving along fine and all of a sudden would lose
power and we could floor it and nothing would happen and yes it
happened on the freeway a couple times which was highly
irritating. What it ended up being was: the fuses. Our car was
a V8 and had 4 diff fuses for 4 diff. injectors (?) and when
one of the fuses went out, we lost power to two (or more if
more fuses blew) of the gas injectors and had no power. Yes the
car was still running and yes the power inside still worked
(radio etc) but couldn't drive it worth a darn.
I would check all your fuses under the hood, they should all
be in one pl! ace in a fuse box and you should have a diagram in
your manual about which fuse goes to what...check it out..
And if the dealership is hassling you about it- take it to
another dealership and if that doesn't work and the car is
under warranty- talk to whoever you need to talk to about
either fixing it (and getting a rental) and/ or getting a diff.
car (I''m assuming its a new car)..
If nothing is working and they are giving you hell, then yes
I would take them to court or else contact the main people at
the head of company (VW) with emails and letters saying what a
crappy car you got and how unhappy you are that you aren't
getting good service and how bad it is to be driving around a
new baby in a potential death trap and if you don't get your
needs met then the 6oclock local news will surely be hearing
from you...
I feel for you! What a frustrating experience! We have a great
attorney who deals fairly exclusively with Lemon Law cases. My
husband and I are in the midst of dealing with a similar
situation related to our Toyota Sequoia. My husband works in
the car industry and did extensive researc! h about attorneys for
these types of cases. If you end up going the legal route, try
giving them a call. Their information is Kemnitzer, Anderson,
Barron & Ogilvie at 415-861-2265. They also have a website at
www.kabolaw.com. In the interim, if you're having a tough time
getting them to acknowledge the problem with the car make sure
you do a great job of documenting every interaction you have
with the dealer.
Your experience sounds so frustrating. I don't know what VW
dealer you're going to, but it's reminiscent of experiences
we've had with McNevin--where I won't return for service. We're
huge VW fans: love the cars, can't stand the local VW dealer
service centers. We're on 4th VW--we also got a 2003 Passat for
driving with our new baby.
One thing you might try is to call a place called Griffin
Moterwerke which is on San Pablo in Berkeley, 524-7447. They
are phenominal with VWs. They only do ''performance'' cars, and I
think the owner even drives a 2002 Passat. We've found them to
have been able to diagnose and repair issues that were stumping
the dealer, as well as finding shoddy work that the dealer had
done (brakes). They are really honest and trustworthy and
aren't just punching the clock like you might find is the
attitude at a dealer service center.
You'll have to pay for their assessment, but you might either be
able to get VW to act on the repair based on their diagnosis, or
see if they can do the work as a warranty repair...or if it's
not to big a thing, just pay and know that it's fixed.
See the attached article about the safety recall of ignition
coils on certain models of VW's.
http://www.consumerreports.org/static/0recall2580.html
I only found about the recall when my stereo stopped working
and the mechanic mentioned it. No notice was ever sent from VW
(which kinda peeves me, but that's another story). My mother-
in-law needed to get her ignition coils replaced on her Jetta
for the same reason, but hers actually went out first.
I don't know why the dealer isn't making the connection...maybe
try another dealer? NOt knowing which location you went to,
I'll just tell you I take my Passat wagon to Broadway in
Oakland. Maybe try telling them to replace the ignition coils
per the recall? As far as lemon law goes....sorry I don't have
any experience with that.
I have a '01 Passat Wagon and we are going to definitely give
it up after the lease expires this July. We've had numerous
issues (like the check engine light went off as soon as we were
a block from the dealer)...that took over a year to fix. I
kept bringing it in for the scheduled maintenance, and finally
one of the service persons asked why it hadn't been fixed???
Also, because VW makes sealed transmissions, we had a terrible
problem when I took the car for an oil change at the
neighborhood gas station. They must have inadvertently also
drained the the transmission fluid, but realized they couldn't
put any back in. (You have to take to dealer to do that). So
we were losing power like you are now, and realized it was
that. Went to go add the fluid ourselves, and saw we couldn't.
A mechanic at the auto store said that's why ! they wouldn't work
on VW's...It cost us over $300 to add the fluid (which really
should have been $25 if we added ourselves!). That was the
last straw...Good luck - just keep calling the dealer and make
them work on it! I will say that the dealer service folks were
very nice...
Hi- Sorry to hear about your car troubles. It sounds really
frustrating. I'm not sure if this is the same thing going on
for you, but I have some good friends who have a Passat and
were having similar troubles. They finally took it to a
mechanic who took it on as a personal challenge. It took a lot
of time, and he didn't charge them the full amount because he
just wanted to figure it out. He found it was an electrical
problem, some wires were crossed. It was a subtle problem that
caused major headaches.
this page was last updated: Sep 8, 2012
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network